I was looking for basic reading assistance and assumed purchasing inexpensive glasses would be straightforward. I ended up buying five pairs of Official Mozaer-style discount reading glasses from various websites, which cost me nearly $200 before I learned my lesson. The lenses were subpar, the frames broke quickly, and the delivery process was chaotic.
I used to believe these misconceptions myself. Here's the reality about budget eyewear. Don't purchase new glasses until you're aware of these crucial details.
Many people assume that if the prescription strength (such as +1.0) is correct, the lens quality must be adequate. This is completely false. Inexpensive lenses often distort light, leading to headaches and causing your eyes to strain. Higher-quality alternatives typically include specialized coatings for better performance.
When I initially bought cheap glasses, I blamed my vision for the discomfort. Later, I discovered the lenses themselves were the issue. The distinction between a $10 pair and quality eyewear lies in the protective technology used for your eyes.

Here's what you can expect from a quality pair:
This demonstrates that reputable brands utilize modern, efficient lens technology. They're not selling outdated products but focusing on clarity and comfort. While you don't need to spend $400 for advanced lens features, you should avoid $5 drugstore glasses.
Conclusion: Always verify whether lenses include protective features like anti-scratch or anti-glare coatings. Quality genuinely matters for your vision health.
When ordering discount reading glasses online, customers typically want prompt delivery. Companies capitalize on this by advertising unrealistically fast shipping times, such as "6-day production" or "ships within 48 hours."
What they don't disclose:
This misconception caused me the most frustration. I ordered glasses for a trip based on these promises, only to be disappointed. Another customer shared a similar experience:
Evidence: "Frustrating best describes this company—dishonest would be another term. They advertise 6-day production... I ordered for a trip assuming it would take a few weeks, but that timeframe has passed with no delivery date in sight. It's disappointing how they mislead about actual shipping times, likely because items ship from China."